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TIG welding, or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce welds. It’s a versatile process used in various welding applications on various materials.Let’s dive deeper and seehow TIG welding works, its advantages & disadvantages, andthematerialsit works on.
TIG welding, otherwise known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a welding process using non-consumable tungsten electrodes.The electrode creates an electric arc between the workpiece and the electrode. This welding process also uses shielding or inert gas, such as argon or helium.
TIG welding is often used forcritical welding applications because it produces precise and clean welding.The process is mainly used for thin gauge and non-porous metals. Since it's a very precise welding process, you will need more skills and practice for TIG welding than other type of welding.
You should be able to keep a stable and consistent arc and manage the filler rod to get a good weld using atigwelder.It also requires continuous adjustments of welder machine settings during the process. So, you will have to manage all together for a desired weld result.
TIG welding is time-consuming and requirescareful setup and welder machine adjustment. So, it becomes pretty expensive.
You can weld most of the metals using the TIG welding process.This versatile welding process utilizes tungsten electrodes typically made from tungsten or a tungsten alloy. The electrode is placed in a welding torch connected to a power supply. You will have to use the correct settings of amperage, gas flow, voltage, etc.
After turning the power source on, an electric arc will be created between the electrode and the work metal. The electric arc willproduce excessive heat, melting themetal and creating the weld.But the tungsten electrode is non-consumable. So it won't be consumed during welding, and you have to remove it later.
A shielding or inert gas is added to the TIG welding process to refine it further. Examples of such gas are argon, helium,and a mixture of argon and helium.These shielding gases protect the weld from elements like oxygen and nitrogen.
TIG welding is a refinedwelding process used in products requiring high precision, like automotive parts, aerospace components, medical implants, etc. It offers clean welding in various materials, including those that are not very easy to weld.
You can use TIG welding to join two similar or dissimilar metals. It is done in various welding positions, such as vertical, horizontal, flat, overhead, etc., and you can do it manually and automatically using this welding process.
The TIG welding process is used on a wide array of metals. Let’s check out the most common ones:
Aluminum is the most common metalwhich can bewelded using the TIG welding process. It is a lightweight metal and pretty easy to weld.Aluminum is highly used for making aircraft parts, boats, bridges, buildings, and many other constructions. AfterTIG welding aluminum, you will get a smooth, clean weld with a high shine.
Stainless steel is another very common metal for TIG welding. This corrosion-resistant metal is mostly welded for making food processing machines, medical instruments, chemical tanks, etc.After welding stainless steel, it produces a bright, reflective, and polished mirror-like shine.
Copper and its various alloys, like brass and bronze, are also used for TIG welding. Since copper is a highly ductile and corrosion-resistant metal, it is highly used in manufacturing wiring and plumbing fixtures.TIG welding copper also produces ashiny and bright finish that you can polish for a mirror-like look.
Magnesium is another lightweight metal highly used in manufacturing aircraft, autosport vehicle parts, etc.But you will have to be more careful and attentive during TIG welding magnesium because it is very reactive and quickly creates sparks and heat.
You can also TIG weld mild steel. It is a popular choice for TIG welding and is used for making automotive parts and many more.This strong and durablemetal will produce a smooth, clean, andshiny surface after TIG welding. You can polish it to make high shine as well.
The TIG welding process has many advantages and some limitations. Let’s see what they are:
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Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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•TIG welding offers high-quality welding with fewer warps.
•Various types of metalsand alloyscan be welded using theTIG welding process, including non-porous and thin gauge metals.
•It produces clean and precise welds with excellent control over the shape and size.
•A very versatile and precise process, offering clean and shinysurfaces on various metals.
•This welding process can weld hard-to-reach places and complexlyshaped materials.
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•TIG welding is an advanced welding process requiring a more skilled welder.
•It is not suitable for beginners to master or work on TIG welding.
•This is a slow welding process with less efficiency for large projects.
•It’s pretty expensive compared to other types of welds.
•Requires specific equipment and settings for different metals.
•Produces toxic fumes, which should be adequately vented to maintain a safe working environment.
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TIG welding is a versatile, skill-oriented, and highly precise welding process used in various industries. You can use it to join unique, irregular shapes in various metals. Now that you know the basics of TIG welding, you can learn and perform itconfidently.
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